Neuroaid and Research Foundation Hosts Bilateral Wheelchair Cricket Match, Championing Inclusivity and Empowerment Through Sports
Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi – December 15, 2024 – The Neuroaid and Research Foundation (NRF) proudly organized its 4th public awareness event, a bilateral wheelchair cricket match between teams representing Delhi and Haryana. Held at the Jamia Hamdard Cricket Grounds, the event was a celebration of determination, teamwork, and inclusivity. Supported by well wishers and sponsors, the initiative aimed to spotlight the exceptional talents of differently abled athletes, while fostering a spirit of community engagement and empowerment. The Chief Guest was most appropriate for the occasion: Mr S J Sridhar Rayala, SH2 category para rifle shooter, medallist in WSPS World Cup 2024, National Para Shooting Championships since 2021 and Khelo India Para Games 2023.
The day commenced with a ceremonial march-past led by the Wheelchair Cricket players and contingents from special schools and universities, adding a vibrant and inclusive touch to the event. The Chief Guest took the salute. The march past contingents included the Delhi and Haryana teams led by their respective captains, Mr Sunil Choudhry and Mr Sonu Dubey; students and staff from The Delhi Society for the Welfare of Special Children (DSWSC), Okhla, and Muskaan PAEPID, Vasant Kunj. The contingent of Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals and Team NRF brought up the rear.
An inspiring address by the Chief Guest followed the toss. He emphasized the need for creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with special needs and lauded the role of sports in bridging societal divides.
Throughout the match, spectators were captivated by the display of skill, passion, and sportsmanship. The athletes demonstrated not only their cricketing expertise, but also their remarkable resilience and unwavering determination, proving that physical challenges were no barriers to achieving excellence. The NRF Physiotherapy Team along with volunteers, ensured on and off field care and support to the players through pre warm up and stretching sessions, besides post cooldown sessions to prevent injuries. An ambulance and medical team were also available for on & off field assistance. NRF honoured the two captains with high quality cricket bats, and all players with jerseys, track suits, gloves and caps, prior to the match.
During game breaks, the Guests of Honour addressed the audience, engaging with children with special needs and their families. These interactions created a deeply encouraging and inclusive environment. Some of the distinguished personalities who graced the occasion with their presence included Professor Afshar Alam, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard; Mr Pradeep Raj, former international para-athlete and National awardee; Professor Deepak Joshi, Associate Professor IIT and AIIMS Delhi. The presence of AIOTA and IAP office bearers motivated the staff and students of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy to actively participate and contribute professionally at every stage, in order to make a significant difference for rehabilitating the Divyang community.
The game breaks also provided opportunities for the audience to interact liberally with each other in order to foster camaraderie. Children with special needs of the Divyang community, representatives of the Eagle Specially Abled Riders and NRF clients, student nurses from Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals enthralled the audience with their enthusiastic cheering and lively dance performances. A photo booth specially designed for the event and the lucky draw for the Social Media Challenge were a hit with the audience that included senior rehabilitation professionals, college students, parents, teachers, and NRF staff families.
The match was livestreamed on JBMR Sports. Doordarshan (DD National) and Rozana Times were the media partners. NRF was humbled to be featured on National Television for the first time! Ms Vinayana Khurana, our special guest, interviewed the Chief Guest and the captains of Delhi and Haryana teams and was instrumental in spreading a powerful message on social media platforms.
The event concluded with a jubilant award ceremony, where both teams were commended for their exceptional performance and indomitable spirit. Haryana team proudly lifted the WINNERS trophy by winning the match by 8 wickets, along with a gift cheque of Rs. 1.25 lakhs. The Delhi team Captain graciously accepted the RUNNERS UP trophy and a gift cheque of Rs. 0.75 lakhs. The Chief Guest, Mr Sridhar Rayala, along with Dr Dipak Joshi and Ms Vinayana Khurana were invited to do the honours. A gift cheque of Rs. 7,500/- each was presented to the Best Bowler, Batsman, Fielder and Man of the Match. The players were also gifted a signed miniature bat by SG (Sanspareils Greenlands) Company to honour the players for their sheer grit and determination.
Mrs Rajalakshmi Chandru, Founder Trustee and Chief Functionary of NRF, spoke briefly about the journey of NRF and summed up the events of the day by projecting Neuroaid’s future plans that include expansion in terms of facilities and resources, outreach programmes, research and development of innovative technologies. She expressed deep gratitude to all sponsors, patrons, the organizing committee, staff, and student volunteers from Jamia Hamdard and GD Goenka Colleges, without whom the event would not have been so rewarding and fulfilling . NRF, thereafter, hosted a lunch for all players and guests at the venue.
The Bilateral Wheelchair Cricket Match was an initiative that reinforced Neuroaid’s unwavering commitment to advocacy, awareness, and creating a community where everyone could thrive.
